Unearth The Voyage
Texas has officially joined the MICHELIN Guide family, and the results are spectacular! In 2025, the Lone Star State earned its place on the culinary map with restaurants across Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and even Spring receiving coveted stars. From smoky barbecue joints to elegant French dining rooms, these 18 establishments represent the very best of what Texas has to offer.
1. Isidore in San Antonio
San Antonio’s Isidore celebrates the deep roots of Texas cooking through flames and tradition. Chef Bruce Auden honors Native American culinary techniques by cooking over a live-fire hearth that fills the dining room with smoky aromas.
Every ingredient tells a story of the land, from locally raised meats to foraged herbs. The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what Texas farmers and ranchers bring to the kitchen door. Dishes might include mesquite-grilled venison or fire-roasted vegetables dressed with indigenous herbs.
The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the farmer who inspired this cooking philosophy. Dining here feels like gathering around an ancient campfire, yet the techniques are refined and contemporary.
2. Mamani in Dallas
Dallas welcomes French sophistication at Mamani, where classic techniques meet modern creativity. The kitchen transforms butter, cream, and wine into dishes that would make Parisians jealous, all while maintaining a distinctly Texan sense of hospitality.
Chef-driven tasting menus showcase seasonal ingredients prepared with precision you’d expect from a MICHELIN-starred establishment. Each course flows seamlessly into the next, building flavors that surprise and delight. The wine list features both French classics and unexpected Texas bottles.
White tablecloths and soft lighting create an atmosphere perfect for celebrations or romantic evenings. Service strikes the balance between attentive and unobtrusive, letting the food remain the star of the show.
3. Nicōsi
Nicōsi earned its star through dedication to culinary excellence that inspires diners throughout Texas. The restaurant represents a commitment to quality that extends from ingredient selection to the final presentation on each plate.
Behind the scenes, a talented team works tirelessly to create memorable dining experiences. The kitchen operates with military precision, yet dishes arrive at tables looking effortless and beautiful. Attention to detail separates good restaurants from truly great ones, and Nicōsi excels in this regard.
Guests leave talking about specific bites they’ll never forget. The MICHELIN recognition confirms what locals already knew: this restaurant deserves celebration. Reservations book up quickly, so planning ahead is essential for anyone hoping to experience this culinary gem.
4. Barley Swine
Austin’s Barley Swine has been pushing culinary boundaries since it opened, and the MICHELIN star validates years of innovation. Chef Bryce Gilmore creates dishes that challenge expectations while remaining approachable and delicious.
The menu reads like a love letter to creativity, combining unexpected ingredients in ways that somehow make perfect sense. You might find beets paired with goat cheese and pistachios, or pork prepared three different ways on a single plate. Vegetable dishes receive the same care and attention as proteins.
The casual atmosphere belies the serious cooking happening in the kitchen. Exposed brick and communal seating encourage conversation, making this a restaurant where food lovers gather to share discoveries and debate favorite bites.
5. Craft Omakase (Japanese)
Omakase means placing your trust in the chef, and at Craft Omakase, that trust is rewarded magnificently. This intimate Austin restaurant seats just a handful of guests at the counter, where they watch skilled hands transform pristine fish into edible art.
Each piece of nigiri represents hours of preparation and years of training. The rice is seasoned perfectly, the fish sliced at precise angles, and the wasabi freshly grated. Courses arrive in a carefully orchestrated sequence designed to build flavors throughout the meal.
Silence falls over the counter when particularly special fish appears. The chef explains the origin of each ingredient, sharing knowledge that deepens appreciation. This is Japanese dining at its most authentic and refined.
6. Hestia
Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, Hestia in Austin centers its cooking around fire and smoke. The open kitchen allows diners to watch flames lick cast-iron pans and hear the sizzle of meat hitting hot grates.
American classics get elevated treatment here without losing their soul. A simple roasted chicken becomes transcendent through careful sourcing and expert technique. Vegetables char beautifully, developing sweet and smoky notes. Even desserts incorporate subtle smoke, creating unexpected flavor combinations.
The space feels warm and inviting, with wood accents and soft lighting that complement the fire-focused cooking. Sharing plates encourages groups to taste widely across the menu, discovering new favorites with each visit.
7. InterStellar BBQ
Who says barbecue can’t earn a MICHELIN star? InterStellar BBQ proves that low-and-slow cooking deserves the same recognition as fancy French techniques. Pitmasters here wake up before dawn to tend smokers that have been running all night.
Brisket arrives at the counter with a dark, peppery bark and meat so tender it barely needs chewing. Ribs pull cleanly from the bone, and sausages snap with satisfying texture. Traditional sides like potato salad and coleslaw provide cooling contrast to rich, smoky meats.
The line forms early, and popular items sell out quickly. Ordering by the pound lets you sample multiple meats, though choosing favorites proves difficult when everything tastes this good.
8. la Barbecue (Barbecue)
La Barbecue earned its MICHELIN star through unwavering commitment to Central Texas barbecue traditions. Pitmaster LeAnn Mueller comes from barbecue royalty, and her family’s legacy shines through in every bite.
The beef ribs here have achieved legendary status among barbecue enthusiasts. Massive bones support meat that has been transformed by hours in the smoker into something approaching perfection. Brisket receives equal care, with both lean and fatty cuts available to suit different preferences.
Casual picnic-table seating and paper-lined trays keep the focus squarely on the meat. Sauce is available but optional, since properly smoked barbecue needs little embellishment. Weekend crowds can be intense, so arriving early or ordering ahead helps avoid disappointment.
9. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
LeRoy and Lewis brings innovation to Texas barbecue while respecting tradition. These pitmasters aren’t afraid to smoke cuts beyond the usual suspects, introducing diners to beef cheeks, lamb belly, and other delicious surprises.
The menu changes based on what looks good at the butcher shop, keeping regular customers guessing and excited. Creative sides go beyond standard barbecue fare, incorporating global flavors and seasonal vegetables. Everything still gets kissed by smoke, maintaining that essential barbecue character.
Operating from a trailer adds to the authentic Austin vibe. The MICHELIN star proves that great food doesn’t require fancy dining rooms or white tablecloths. Sometimes the best meals come wrapped in butcher paper and eaten outdoors.
10. Olamaie (American)
Olamaie transforms Southern comfort food into something worthy of a MICHELIN star without losing the warmth and hospitality that defines the cuisine. The restaurant occupies a charming bungalow that feels like visiting a stylish friend’s home for dinner.
Biscuits arrive at the table still warm, begging to be split and buttered. Fried chicken achieves the perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy meat. Vegetables get treated with respect, often stealing the show from proteins. The kitchen sources from local farms, ensuring peak freshness in every dish.
Desserts lean into nostalgia, offering grown-up versions of childhood favorites. Service is warm and knowledgeable, with servers happy to explain ingredients and preparation methods. Reservations are strongly recommended for this Austin treasure.
11. Tatsu Dallas
Tatsu Dallas transports diners straight to Japan without leaving Texas. The restaurant specializes in kaiseki, the traditional multi-course dining experience that showcases seasonal ingredients through meticulous preparation and beautiful presentation.
Each course arrives as a work of art, arranged on carefully chosen ceramics that complement the food. Flavors range from delicate and subtle to bold and surprising, creating a journey for the palate. The chef balances textures, temperatures, and tastes with the precision of a conductor leading an orchestra.
Sake pairings enhance the experience, with knowledgeable staff guiding selections. The serene atmosphere encourages mindful eating, allowing guests to fully appreciate each carefully crafted dish. This is destination dining at its finest.
12. BCN Taste & Tradition
Barcelona comes to Houston at BCN Taste & Tradition, where Spanish flavors shine through traditional preparations and quality ingredients. The restaurant captures the spirit of Spanish dining, where meals are meant for sharing and savoring slowly.
Tapas encourage exploration, letting diners sample multiple flavors in one sitting. Jamón ibérico melts on the tongue, while patatas bravas deliver satisfying comfort. Paella arrives at the table in traditional pans, with rice achieving that coveted socarrat crust on the bottom. Seafood tastes ocean-fresh, and saffron perfumes the air.
The wine list focuses on Spanish regions, offering perfect pairings for every dish. Lively conversation fills the dining room, creating the convivial atmosphere essential to Spanish food culture.
13. Le Jardinier Houston
Le Jardinier Houston elevates vegetables to star status while maintaining French culinary excellence. The name means gardener, and the restaurant lives up to it by treating produce with the reverence usually reserved for luxury proteins.
Carrots might be roasted to concentrate their sweetness, then paired with yogurt and herbs. Tomatoes arrive in multiple preparations, showcasing their versatility. Even meat and fish dishes highlight accompanying vegetables rather than relegating them to afterthoughts. The cooking techniques are unmistakably French, but the philosophy feels refreshingly modern.
The dining room exudes understated elegance, with natural light and greenery reinforcing the garden theme. This is fine dining that feels lighter and more contemporary while maintaining impeccable standards.
14. March
March in Houston defies easy categorization, which is exactly the point. The restaurant embraces creativity without boundaries, drawing inspiration from global cuisines and modern techniques to create something entirely unique.
Tasting menus take diners on unexpected journeys, with each course revealing new surprises. Familiar ingredients appear in unfamiliar forms, challenging assumptions about how food should look and taste. The kitchen employs advanced techniques when they serve the food, never using technology for its own sake.
Small dining room size ensures intimate service and attention to detail. Conversations with staff reveal the thinking behind each dish, deepening appreciation for the creativity on display. This is dining as art, where every plate tells a story.
15. Musaafer
Musaafer means traveler, and this Houston restaurant takes diners on a journey through India’s diverse culinary regions. The MICHELIN star recognizes cooking that honors tradition while presenting it with modern elegance.
Spices are treated like the precious ingredients they are, carefully balanced to build complex flavors without overwhelming heat. Breads emerge from the tandoor oven blistered and steaming. Curries range from creamy and mild to fiery and bold, offering something for every preference. Vegetarian dishes receive equal attention to meat-based options.
The opulent dining room features rich colors and luxurious textures that transport guests. Service is gracious and helpful, guiding newcomers through the extensive menu while accommodating spice preferences and dietary needs.
16. Tatemó
Tatemó proves that Mexican cuisine deserves recognition at the highest levels of fine dining. The Houston restaurant honors ancestral cooking methods while presenting dishes with contemporary refinement that earned it a MICHELIN star.
Mole sauces simmer for hours, developing layers of flavor from dozens of ingredients. Corn is nixtamalized in-house for tortillas that taste nothing like store-bought versions. Seafood preparations draw from coastal Mexican traditions, while meat dishes reflect interior regions. Each plate tells the story of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
The beverage program showcases agave spirits beyond basic tequila, introducing guests to mezcal and raicilla. Thoughtful design creates a space that feels both elegant and welcoming, perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
17. CorkScrew BBQ
Spring, Texas might seem like an unlikely location for a MICHELIN-starred restaurant, but CorkScrew BBQ proves that excellence can emerge anywhere. This family-run operation has won numerous barbecue competitions, and the star confirms what judges have known for years.
The brisket here sets the standard that others chase, with perfect smoke rings and bark that shatters at the touch. Pork ribs compete for attention, glazed and tender. Even the sides show unusual care, made from scratch daily. Long lines form before opening, with dedicated fans driving from Houston and beyond.
Operating from a modest building with outdoor seating, CorkScrew keeps the focus on what matters: perfectly smoked meat. The MICHELIN star brings well-deserved recognition to passionate pitmasters.
